Van Gaal drops Rooney captaincy hint

Louis van Gaal has given his strongest indication yet that Wayne Rooney will be his Manchester United captain.

Rooney produced an impressive second half performance to spur United to a 3-1 International Champions Cup final victory against rivals Liverpool in Miami. Van Gaal is taking his time on naming his captain, with Jonny Evans, Robin van Persie and Darren Fletcher all in the running. However, the Dutchman hinted he would prefer an English candidate for the role.

Rooney has impressed on United's tour and, having scored five goals in three pre-season games, was named player of the tournament. The England striker is the latest squad member to hail the impact Van Gaal has had on the United squad.

"It's been a good few weeks. We've got a new manager who wants us to play a different style of football," Rooney said. "We've had to adapt. We've had some good results against top opposition so we can be pleased.

"The system suits the team, not only myself. The manager came in and had a look at the players we've got. He's done what he thinks is best suited for our team.

"He's a tough manager but he's been great since he came in. He's given us all a different way of looking at football, which we haven't had before. It's been great for us and hopefully that will continue.

"We wanted to win games, play well and obviously we've done that. We've won a trophy as well. It's always nice to beat Liverpool. We're happy with the work we've done out here [in the United States]; now we go on to Valencia and then the season starts."